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The PDC World Grand Prix Darts event is one of the most unique and eagerly anticipated events on the darts calendar. In 2025, it returns with all the drama, excitement, and high pressure moments that fans expect.
From October 6–12, the tournament takes place at the Mattioli Arena, Leicester, bringing with it the challenging “double in, double out” format that separates it from other majors and makes this one of the most loved events with fans.
Whether you’re a long time darts fan or stepping up your own game, the Grand Prix gives insight into technique, endurance, and nerves. If you’re interested in finding out more then here at Throw For 180, we’ve put together this preview that provides everything you need to know about the format, venue, history, live streaming and what’s at stake.
World Grand Prix Darts Venue & Dates
- Dates: October 6 to October 12, 2025
- Venue: Mattioli Arena, Leicester, England
Leicester has hosted the World Grand Prix several times in recent years, and Mattioli Arena has become a familiar stage for this event.
The arena offers modern facilities and a strong crowd atmosphere, making it ideal for the intensity of this tournament.
Expect lively sessions through the week as players battle through first rounds, knockouts, and eventually the final under the bright lights.
World Grand Prix Tournament Format
One of the things that makes the World Grand Prix Darts tournament so thrilling is its double in, double out format. Players must start each leg by hitting a double (or the bullseye) and finish each leg that way. That adds an extra layer of challenge right from the throw.
We’ve seen players really struggle in the past, and I’m sure we’ll see the same again this year. Home players will know how many tips and tutorials there are about hitting doubles, in this format, you need to hit one twice.
Matches are played in a sets format, with each set being best of five legs (first to three legs wins the set). As the tournament progresses, the number of sets required to win a match increases, making them longer.
In total, there will be 32 players competing which are the top 16 from the two-year PDC Order of Merit (seeded) and the top 16 from the one-year PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit who haven’t already qualified, which are the unseeded players.
Prize Fund & What’s at Stake
- Total Prize Fund: £600,000
- Winner’s Share: £120,000
This isn’t just about the money, while £600,000 is a valuable purse, the World Grand Prix Darts also offers crucial ranking points and prestige.
Players who do well here often solidify their position for other majors and tour seedings. Defending the title carries extra pressure and this year Mike De Decker is the reigning champion after his win in 2024 over Luke Humphries.
World Grand Prix Darts Live Streaming & TV Info
In the UK, the 2025 BoyleSports World Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Live streaming is available via NowTV, allowing you to live stream after purchasing a sports pass.
Outside the UK, the event will be shown through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners, which include DAZN and Viaplay.
For international fans, PDCTV will also carry the event (but note: UK, Germany, Austria & Switzerland subscribers are excluded from PDCTV for this event)
History of the World Grand Prix Darts
First played in 1998, the World Grand Prix has established itself as one of the PDC’s most distinctive tournaments. Its double-in, double-out requirement makes it more unpredictable than other majors and even top players sometimes struggle to start or finish legs.
Over the years, the tournament has seen memorable moments, from remarkable nine-dart finishes to upsets and last-minute comebacks. The format helps, but this is always an event that seems to bring us drama every year.
The “double in” format ensures that even players with exceptional scoring can be thrown off by one missed double at the start of a leg.
It’s this difficulty at the edges that makes the matches both exciting and nerve-wracking for those taking part and when talking about what makes a great darts players we’ve always leaned on coming up big under pressure, the players are certainly under pressure here!
Another tradition of the World Grand Prix is its venue history. While originally hosted in Dublin at the Citywest Hotel, Leicester has served as host in recent years, establishing a strong fanbase and atmosphere.
PDC World Grand Prix Darts Previous Winners
Here are the winners and runners-up from the last 5 editions of the World Grand Prix Darts tournament:
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Mike De Decker | Luke Humphries |
| 2023 | Luke Humphries | Gerwyn Price |
| 2022 | Michael Van Gerwen | Nathan Aspinall |
| 2021 | Jonny Clayton | Gerwyn Price |
| 2020 | Gerwyn Price | Dirk Van Duijvenbode |
The 2025 BoyleSports World Grand Prix promises to be one of the most compelling tournaments of the year.
From its homely feel in Leicester to the high-pressure double-in, double-out format and significant prize fund, there’s plenty at stake for players and fans alike.
Whether you’re watching to admire precision, cheering for your favourite, or studying what makes pro darts players excel, this event is must-watch.
Be sure to mark your calendar for October 6-12, and stay tuned to our latest news section of the site, as the line-up is confirmed and preparations get underway.